Auburn alum-esque Paul McDonald makes it to “American Idol’s” Top 24

The rumors were true, the vocals truer — Huntsville native and Auburn alum (strict definition) Paul McDonald not only made it to Hollywood on the first Simon-less season of American Idol, he’s made it to the show’s Top 24. Performances like last night’s duet of The Beatles’ “Blackbird” with fellow Nashville audition contestant Kendra Chantelle — as well as that killer suit — are a reason why.

When the moment of truth came, judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, and Randy Jackson wasted little time teasing McDonald about his future on the show: they expect big things. Indeed, the biggest year in the history of Auburn football is being followed by the biggest year — Idol, Survivor, and of course the Ziemba lookalike on The Biggest Loser —in the history of Auburn-connection reality television.

Some Idol blogs actually consider the 27-year-old frontman for formerly Auburn-based (and currently Nashville-based) roots rockers The Grand Magnolia’s (formerly Hightide Blues) a favorite to win it all thanks to his gritty tone and potential for charming the “cougar demographic” which is thought to have shaped the show’s voting results for several seasons.

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